Getting Your License Back After Suspension
To restore your driving privileges in Mississippi, you must first contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) to find out why your license was suspended and what steps are required to lift it. Different suspension reasons have different paths forward — a suspension for unpaid traffic fines requires payment, while a suspension for medical reasons requires a doctor's clearance, and a suspension for accumulating too many points requires waiting out a mandatory period. The DPS will tell you exactly what you need to do and how much it will cost.
Once you have completed the requirements for your specific suspension reason, you will need to pay a reinstatement fee to the DPS. This fee is separate from any fines, court costs, or other money you may owe. After payment and verification that you have met all conditions, your license will be restored — usually within a few business days if you handle it in person at a DPS office.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety directly to learn the reason for your suspension and what you must do to restore your license.
- Different suspension reasons require different actions: paying fines, obtaining medical clearance, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a mandatory suspension period.
- You must pay a reinstatement fee to the DPS after meeting all other requirements; this fee varies depending on the reason for suspension.
- Bring proof that you have met all requirements when you visit a DPS office to complete the reinstatement process.
Contact the DPS to Learn Your Suspension Reason
Call the Mississippi Department of Public Safety at 601-987-1212 or visit a local DPS office in person. Have your driver's license number ready. The DPS will tell you the exact reason your license was suspended and provide a list of everything you must complete before reinstatement is possible.
If you prefer to check online first, visit the DPS website and look for the driver license status check tool. This tool will show you whether your license is suspended and sometimes the reason, though a phone call or office visit will give you more complete information about what steps to take next.
Pay Outstanding Fines and Court Costs
If your suspension is due to unpaid traffic fines, unpaid court costs, or failure to pay a judgment, you must settle these debts before your license can be restored. Contact the court that issued the ticket or fine to confirm the exact amount owed and the payment methods accepted.
Many Mississippi courts accept payment by phone, online, or by mail. Some will also accept payment in person at the courthouse. Once you have paid, ask the court for written confirmation of payment — you will need this when you go to the DPS to complete reinstatement. If the fine was issued by a city police department, contact that department's records office instead of the court.
Complete a Suspension Period for Point Accumulation
If your license was suspended because you accumulated too many traffic violation points, Mississippi law requires you to wait a mandatory suspension period before you can restore your license. The length of this period depends on how many points you had and whether this is your first suspension.
During this waiting period, you cannot drive legally. Once the mandatory period has ended, you can proceed to the DPS to pay the reinstatement fee and restore your license. The DPS will tell you the exact date your suspension period ends when you contact them.
Obtain Medical Clearance If Required
If your suspension is medical — for example, because you reported a seizure disorder, failed a vision test, or have a condition that affects your ability to drive safely — you must obtain clearance from a doctor before reinstatement. The DPS will specify what kind of medical evaluation is needed.
Schedule an appointment with your doctor and bring any paperwork the DPS provided about what the evaluation must cover. Once your doctor has cleared you, ask for a signed letter or form stating that you are medically fit to drive. Bring this documentation to the DPS when you explore for reinstatement.
Complete a Defensive Driving Course If Ordered
Some suspensions require you to complete an approved defensive driving course before your license can be restored. The DPS will tell you if this is required in your case. Mississippi recognizes courses offered by the National Safety Council and other approved providers.
You can take these courses online or in person, depending on the provider. Once you have completed the course, you will receive a certificate of completion. Bring this certificate with you when you visit the DPS to finalize your reinstatement.
Pay the Reinstatement Fee and Restore Your License
After you have completed all requirements specific to your suspension reason, visit a Mississippi Department of Public Safety office with proof of completion and payment. Bring your identification, any documentation the DPS requested (such as proof of paid fines, medical clearance, or course completion), and be prepared to pay the reinstatement fee.
The reinstatement fee varies depending on the reason for suspension. The DPS will tell you the exact amount when you contact them. Once you have paid and the DPS has verified that all requirements are met, your license will be restored. If you applied in person, you may receive a temporary driving permit on the spot while your new license is printed and mailed to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my license back after I pay the reinstatement fee?
If you pay in person at a DPS office, your license is usually restored the same day or within one business day. You may receive a temporary permit to drive while your new physical license is mailed to your address. If you pay by mail, allow an additional week for processing.
What if I cannot afford to pay all my fines at once?
Contact the court that issued the fine and ask about a payment plan. Many courts will set up an installment arrangement. Once you have a payment plan in place, ask the court whether your suspension can be lifted while you make payments, or whether you must complete the full payment before reinstatement.
Can I drive with a suspended license if I have a work permit?
Mississippi does not issue work permits that allow you to drive with a suspended license. A suspended license means you cannot legally drive for any reason, including work. You must restore your license through the DPS process before you can drive again.
Do I need to retake the written or driving test to get my license back?
No. Reinstatement does not require you to retake any test unless your suspension was specifically for medical reasons and the DPS determines a new test is necessary. In most cases, you straightforward pay the fee and your license is restored.
What if I lost my license or it was damaged while it was suspended?
When you restore your license, you can request a replacement at the same time. The DPS will issue a new license with the same number. There may be an additional fee for a replacement, which the DPS will explain when you visit.